JP7118611B2 - Image processing device, recording device, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, a recording device, an image processing method, and a program.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 discloses that image data is segmented into regions and the segmented image data is processed in parallel by two image processing ASICs.

JP 2016-198967 A

However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 does not disclose how the image data obtained by dividing the image into two areas is transmitted to the two image processing ASICs. Therefore, there is a possibility that efficient parallel processing cannot be realized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to quickly generate print data by operating a plurality of image processing controllers in parallel without idling them.

The present invention is an image processing apparatus that processes data for recording an image by relatively moving recording means and a recording medium, wherein the recording means includes a plurality of recording elements arranged in a first direction. wherein the relative movement is in a second direction that intersects the first direction and corresponds to the first processing area in the image for one page including the first processing area and the second processing area first processing means configured to generate first recording data for use by said recording means, based on said first image data; and based on second image data corresponding to said second processing area, second processing means configured to generate second recording data used by the recording means, wherein the position of the second processing area is the first processing area in the first direction within one page; and transmitting the first image data to the first processing means in units of band data corresponding to one band area, and transmitting the second image data to the second processing means. wherein the first processing area is composed of a plurality of band areas, and the length of each band area of the first processing area is the length of the first band area of the first processing area. the length of the second processing region is shorter than the length in the first direction, the second processing region is composed of a plurality of band regions, and the length of each band region of the second processing region is shorter than the length of the second processing region in the first direction; and transmission means, wherein the transmission means transmits a plurality of units of band data to the first processing means, and from the start of transmission of the plurality of units of band data to the first processing means, the first processing means. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the transmitting means transmits at least one unit of band data to the second processing means until transmission of the plurality of units of band data to the second processing means is completed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to operate a plurality of image processing controllers in parallel without idling them, thereby quickly generating print data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram when the recording device is in a standby state; 3 is a control configuration diagram of the recording apparatus; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram when the recording device is in a recording state; 3A is a control configuration diagram of a printing apparatus in Embodiment 1, and FIG. 4B is a control configuration diagram of an image processing controller in Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a series of image processing executed by an image processing controller in Embodiment 1. FIG. (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of the head shading process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of color shading processing; (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams of processing in the first embodiment. 4 is a flow chart of processing executed by a controller unit in Embodiment 1. FIG. 8A shows the order of transmission of image data in the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B shows the order of transmission of image data in the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flow chart of processing executed by a controller unit in Embodiment 2. FIG.

FIG. 1 is an internal configuration diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as recording apparatus 1) used in this embodiment. In the drawing, the x direction is the horizontal direction, the y direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) is the direction in which ejection ports are arranged in the recording head 8 described later, and the z direction is the vertical direction.

The recording apparatus 1 is a multi-function device including a print unit 2 and a scanner unit 3, and various processes related to recording operation and reading operation can be executed by the print unit 2 and the scanner unit 3 individually or in conjunction with each other. The scanner unit 3 has an ADF (automatic document feeder) and an FBS (flatbed scanner), and reads documents automatically fed by the ADF and documents placed on the document table of the FBS by the user (scanning). )It can be performed. Although the present embodiment is a multifunction device having both the printing unit 2 and the scanner unit 3, a configuration without the scanner unit 3 is also possible. FIG. 1 shows the recording apparatus 1 in a standby state in which neither recording operation nor reading operation is performed.

In the printing unit 2, a first cassette 5A and a second cassette 5B for containing recording media (cut sheets) S are detachably installed at the bottom of the housing 4 in the vertical direction. The first cassette 5A accommodates relatively small recording media up to A4 size, and the second cassette 5B accommodates relatively large recording media up to A3 size in a flat stack. In the vicinity of the first cassette 5A, a first feeding unit 6A for separating and feeding the contained recording media one by one is provided. Similarly, a second feeding unit 6B is provided near the second cassette 5B. When the recording operation is performed, the recording medium S is selectively fed from one of the cassettes.

The transport roller 7, discharge roller 12, pinch roller 7a, spur 7b, guide 18, inner guide 19, and flapper 11 are a transport mechanism for guiding the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. The transport rollers 7 are drive rollers arranged upstream and downstream of the recording head 8 and driven by a transport motor (not shown). The pinch roller 7 a is a driven roller that rotates while nipping the recording medium S together with the transport roller 7 . The discharge roller 12 is a drive roller arranged downstream of the transport roller 7 and driven by a transport motor (not shown). The spur 7 b conveys the recording medium S while nipping it together with the conveying roller 7 and the discharging roller 12 arranged on the downstream side of the recording head 8 .

The guide 18 is provided on the transport path of the recording medium S and guides the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. The inner guide 19 is a member extending in the y direction and has a curved side surface, and guides the recording medium S along the side surface. The flapper 11 is a member for switching the direction in which the recording medium S is conveyed during the double-sided recording operation. The ejection tray 13 is a tray for stacking and holding the recording medium S ejected by the ejection roller 12 after the printing operation is completed.

The recording head 8 of this embodiment is a full-line type color inkjet recording head, and has a plurality of ejection openings corresponding to the width of the recording medium S along the y direction in FIG. 1 for ejecting ink according to recording data. arrayed. When the recording head 8 is at the standby position, the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 faces vertically downward and is capped by the cap unit 10 as shown in FIG. When performing a printing operation, the direction of the printing head 8 is changed by the print controller 202 to be described later so that the ejection port surface 8 a faces the platen 9 . The platen 9 is composed of a flat plate extending in the y direction, and supports the recording medium S on which the recording operation is performed by the recording head 8 from the back. The movement of the recording head 8 from the standby position to the recording position will be described later in detail.

The ink tank unit 14 stores four color inks to be supplied to the recording head 8 . The ink supply unit 15 is provided in the middle of the flow path connecting the ink tank unit 14 and the recording head 8, and adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the ink inside the recording head 8 to appropriate ranges. This embodiment employs a circulating ink supply system, and the ink supply unit 15 adjusts the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 8 and the flow rate of the ink recovered from the recording head 8 within appropriate ranges.

The maintenance unit 16 includes the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17 and activates them at predetermined timings to perform maintenance operations on the recording head 8 . The maintenance operation will be explained later in detail.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration in the printing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. The control configuration is mainly composed of a print engine unit 200 that controls the print section 2, a scanner engine unit 300 that controls the scanner section 3, and a controller unit 100 that controls the entire printing apparatus 1. FIG. The print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to instructions from the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100 . Various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100 . Details of the control configuration will be described below.

In the controller unit 100 , a main controller 101 composed of a CPU controls the entire printing apparatus 1 using a RAM 106 as a work area according to programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 107 . For example, when a print job is input from the host device 400 via the host I/F 102 or wireless I/F 103, the image processing unit 108 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data according to instructions from the main controller 101. Apply. Then, the main controller 101 transmits the processed image data to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I/F 105 .

The printing apparatus 1 may acquire image data from the host apparatus 400 via wireless communication or wired communication, or may acquire image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the printing apparatus 1. Also good. A communication method used for wireless communication or wired communication is not limited. For example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be applied as a communication method used for wireless communication. As a communication method used for wired communication, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like can be applied. Also, for example, when a read command is input from the host device 400 , the main controller 101 transmits this command to the scanner section 3 via the scanner engine I/F 109 .

The operation panel 104 is a mechanism for the user to input/output to/from the printing apparatus 1 . A user can instruct operations such as copying and scanning, set a print mode, and recognize information of the printing apparatus 1 via the operation panel 104 .

In the print engine unit 200 , a print controller 202 configured by a CPU controls various mechanisms provided in the print section 2 while using a RAM 204 as a work area according to programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 203 . When various commands and image data are received via the controller I/F 201 , the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204 . The print controller 202 causes the image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image data into print data so that the print head 8 can be used for printing operations. When print data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the print head 8 to perform a print operation based on the print data via the head I/F 206 . At this time, the print controller 202 drives the feeding units 6A and 6B, the transport rollers 7, the ejection rollers 12, and the flapper 11 shown in FIG. In accordance with an instruction from the print controller 202, the recording operation by the recording head 8 is executed in conjunction with the conveying operation of the recording medium S, and printing processing is performed. Here, the case where the print engine unit 200 includes one image processing controller (CPU) 205, one ROM 203, and one RAM 204 is shown. However, the number of image processing controllers (CPUs), ROMs, and RAMs provided in the print engine unit 200 is not limited to one, and may be plural.

The head carriage control unit 208 changes the direction and position of the recording head 8 according to the operating state such as the maintenance state and recording state of the recording apparatus 1 . The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit 15 so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 8 is within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 210 controls operations of the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17 in the maintenance unit 16 when performing maintenance operations on the recording head 8 .

In the scanner engine unit 300 , the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 while using the RAM 106 as a work area according to programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 107 . As a result, various mechanisms provided in the scanner section 3 are controlled. For example, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I/F 301 to transport the document placed on the ADF by the user via the transport control unit 304 and read it by the sensor 305 . . The scanner controller 302 stores the read image data in the RAM 303 . The print controller 202 converts the image data acquired as described above into print data, thereby making it possible for the print head 8 to execute a print operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302. .

FIG. 3 shows the recording device 1 in the recording state. 1, the cap unit 10 is separated from the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8, and the ejection port surface 8a faces the platen 9. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the plane of the platen 9 is tilted about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, and the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 at the recording position is also tilted horizontally so that the distance from the platen 9 is kept constant. is tilted about 45 degrees with respect to

When moving the print head 8 from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the print position shown in FIG. 3, the print controller 202 uses the maintenance control section 210 to lower the cap unit 10 to the retracted position shown in FIG. As a result, the discharge port surface 8a of the recording head 8 is separated from the cap member 10a. Thereafter, the print controller 202 rotates the recording head 8 by 45 degrees while adjusting the vertical height of the recording head 8 using the head carriage control unit 208 , so that the ejection port surface 8 a faces the platen 9 . When the print operation is completed and the print head 8 is moved from the print position to the standby position, the print controller 202 performs the reverse steps.

Next, the transport path of the recording medium S in the printing section 2 will be described. When a print command is input, the print controller 202 first uses the maintenance control section 210 and the head carriage control section 208 to move the print head 8 to the print position shown in FIG. After that, the print controller 202 uses the transport control unit 207 to drive either the first feeding unit 6A or the second feeding unit 6B according to the recording command to feed the recording medium S. FIG.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the basic configuration described thus far.

[Example 1]
In this embodiment, the print engine unit has a plurality of image processing controllers, and image data generated by the controller unit is divided, and image processing is performed in parallel by each of the plurality of image processing controllers.

<Regarding the configuration of the recording device>
FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the printing apparatus 1 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4A, the recording apparatus 1 includes a controller unit 900 and a print engine unit 940 consisting of a first image processing controller 910, a second image processing controller 920, and a print control controller 930. FIG. Thus, the recording apparatus 1 in this embodiment has four controllers. Among them, the controller unit 900 functions as a main controller that generates image data for image processing by the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920 . Also, the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920 function as sub-controllers for the controller unit 900 .

The controller unit 900 executes processing for generating image data that can be processed by the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920 based on the input print job. For example, the renderer processing unit 902 of the controller unit 900 generates image data for one page based on page description language (PDL) data sent from the host device 400 via the host IF control unit 904 . Further, for example, the scanner image processing unit 903 generates image data for one page based on scan data sent from the scanner engine unit 300 via the scanner IF control unit 905 . The image data generated by the renderer processing unit 902 or the scanner image processing unit 903 is temporarily stored in the RAM 908 of the controller unit 900 and is divided and transmitted to the first image processing controller 910 or the second image processing controller 920 . Hereinafter, the area within the RAM in which the image data to be transmitted is stored will be referred to as the transmission buffer area.

The image data stored in the transmission buffer area is transmitted to the first image processing controller 910 via the inter-ASIC IF control unit 906 and stored in the RAM 918 of the first image processing controller 910 . Hereinafter, the RAM area in which the received image data is stored will be referred to as a reception buffer area. In this embodiment, PCI Express (PCIe) is used as the IF between ASICs, and protocol processing and DMA control in PCIe are performed by an IF control unit between ASICs.

Regarding the image data stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 918, the CPU 911 of the first image processing controller 910 selects image data to be subjected to image processing for generating print data (print data generation processing) by the first image processing controller 910. Determine whether it is As a result, when the first image processing controller 910 determines that the image data should be subjected to the print data generation process, the CPU 911 instructs the image data to be generated based on the image data stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 918 . The processing unit 912 is commanded. On the other hand, if the first image processing controller 910 determines that the image data should not be subjected to print data generation processing, the image data stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 918 is sent to the second image data via the inter-ASIC IF control unit 914 . Transfer to the image processing controller 920 . This image data is stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 928 of the second image processing controller 920 .

Print data generated by the image processing unit 912 based on the image data stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 918 is stored in the RAM 918 . A RAM area in which print data is stored is hereinafter referred to as a print buffer area. The print data stored in the print buffer area of the RAM 918 is transmitted to the second image processing controller 920 via the inter-ASIC IF control section 914 and stored in the print buffer area of the RAM 928 .

The image processing section 922 of the second image processing controller 920 generates print data based on the image data stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 928 . Print data generated by the image processing unit 922 is stored in the print buffer area of the RAM 928 . As described above, the print data generated by the first image processing controller 910 is also stored in the print buffer area of the RAM 928, so that one page of print data is finally generated in the print buffer area. The Rukoto.

When the generation of print data for one page is completed in the print buffer area of the RAM 928, the CPU 921 notifies the print control controller 930 to start printing based on the print data for one page. After such notification, the CPU 921 transmits the print data stored in the print buffer area of the RAM 928 to the print control controller 930 via the inter-ASIC IF control section 924 . The print data transmitted to the print control controller 930 is stored in the RAM 938 .

After being notified of the start of recording from the second image processing controller 920 , the recording controller 930 receives recording data and stores the received recording data in the RAM 938 . After that, the HV conversion processing unit 931 executes HV conversion processing on the recording data stored in the RAM 938 . The recording data rearranged by the HV conversion process is stored in the RAM 938 again. The recording control unit 934 controls the recording operation of forming an image on a recording medium such as paper by transmitting the recording data after the HV conversion processing stored in the RAM 938 to the recording head 8 .

<Regarding a series of image processing for generating recording data executed by the image processing controller>
A series of image processing for generating print data executed by the image processing controller 910 and the image processing controller 920 will be described below.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each of the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, each image processing controller includes an input color conversion processing unit 991, an MCS processing unit 992, an ink color conversion processing unit 993, an HS processing unit 994, and an OPG processing unit 995. , a quantization processing unit 996 and an index expansion processing unit 997 . Details of each component will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a series of image processing executed by the image processing controller.

In step S<b>1001 , the input color conversion processing unit 991 executes input color conversion processing for converting input image data into image data corresponding to the color gamut of the printing apparatus 1 . The input image data is, for example, data representing color coordinates (R, G, B) in color space coordinates such as sRGB, which are colors expressed on a monitor. The input color conversion processing unit 991 converts each 8-bit R, G, and B input image data, for example, by a known method such as matrix operation processing or processing using a three-dimensional lookup table (hereinafter referred to as 3DLUT). It is converted into image data (R', G', B') in the color gamut of the recording device 1. FIG. In this embodiment, a 3DLUT is used, and an interpolation operation is also used to perform input color conversion processing.

In step 1002, the multi-color shading (MCS) processing unit 992 converts the image data converted by the input color conversion processing unit 991, that is, the image data (R', G', B') of the color gamut of the printing apparatus 1 into ) is subjected to MCS processing for correcting the color difference. As a result of the MCS processing, the image data (R', G', B') in the color gamut of the printing apparatus 1 is converted into image data (R'', G'', B''). In this MCS processing, image data is converted for each unit area by executing conversion processing using a 3DLUT corresponding to each unit area from among a plurality of 3DLUTs. By executing the MCS process, it is possible to reduce the color difference caused by the variation in the ejection characteristics of the nozzles in the print head 8, which cannot be completely corrected by the HS process in the subsequent step S1004. Note that the MCS processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S1003, the ink color conversion processing unit 993 converts the R, G, and B 8-bit image data (R'', G'', B'') processed by the MCS processing unit 992 into ink color signals. Ink color conversion processing for converting data into image data is executed. Since the printing apparatus 1 in this embodiment uses inks of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), image data of RGB signals are K, C, M, and Y inks. It is converted into image data consisting of 8-bit color signals. It should be noted that the ink color conversion processing in this step also uses a 3DLUT in the same way as the input color conversion processing unit in step S1001, and interpolation calculation is also used.

In step S1004, the head shading (HS) processing unit 994 converts the image data consisting of 8-bit color signals for each of K, C, M, and Y into ink color signals corresponding to the ejection amounts of the nozzles forming the print head. Execute head shading processing to convert to image data. In the HS processing, conversion processing using a one-dimensional lookup table (hereinafter referred to as 1DLUT) determined according to the ink color and the position in the nozzle arrangement direction is executed. Note that the HS processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S1005, the output gamma (OPG) processing unit 995 performs gamma correction processing using a 1DLUT for OPG processing for each ink color on image data composed of HS-processed 8-bit ink color signals. to run.

In step S1006, the quantization processing unit 996 lowers the gradation of the gamma-corrected multivalued image data of the ink color (in this embodiment, image data in which each pixel has an 8-bit value for each of CMYK). quantization processing to be performed. Note that the method of quantization processing executed in this step is not particularly limited. For example, an error diffusion method may be used, or other pseudo-halftone processing such as a dither method using a threshold matrix may be used.

In step S1007, the index expansion processing unit 997 performs index expansion processing for generating 1-bit binary data representing print "1" or non-print "0" based on the image data that has been reduced in gradation in step S1006. Run. The above is the contents of a series of image processing for generating print data executed by the image processing controller in this embodiment.

<About head shading processing>
The head shading (HS) processing executed in step S1004 described above will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining an outline of HS processing.

Reference numerals 1101 and 1102 indicate how a monochromatic color image is output when printing is performed without HS processing. Specifically, reference numeral 1101 indicates how a cyan (C) image is output when printed without HS processing. As shown in the figure, although recording is performed according to the same C signal value, a low-density portion occurs slightly to the left of the center. Reference numeral 1102 indicates how a magenta (M) image is output when recording is performed without performing HS processing. As shown in the figure, periodic density unevenness occurs even though printing is performed according to the same M signal value. In this way, the error in the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle due to the difference in the diameter of the ejection port or the like appears as unevenness in density. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the signal value for each ink color to suppress the unevenness in density. Therefore, HS processing is performed in this embodiment.

Reference numerals 1103 and 1104 indicate how a monochromatic color image is output when HS processing is performed and recorded. Specifically, reference numeral 1103 indicates how a cyan (C) image is output when printing is performed based on image data subjected to HS processing. By correcting the C signal value by the HS processing, more specifically, by increasing the C signal value of the low-density portion, as shown in the figure, the density unevenness does not occur. Reference numeral 1104 indicates how a magenta (M) image is output when printing is performed based on image data subjected to HS processing. By correcting the M signal value by the HS processing, more specifically, by changing the M signal value to a value that changes periodically, as shown in the figure, density unevenness does not occur.

FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of the HS process, and shows that the number of dots is corrected in units of a plurality of continuous nozzles (4 nozzles in this example) by performing the HS process.

First, the cyan (C) nozzle row will be described. Reference numerals 1111 and 1112 denote cyan (C) nozzle rows. In this example, as shown in the figure, the ejection opening diameter of each nozzle of the first nozzle group 1111 is larger than the ejection opening diameter of each nozzle of the second nozzle group 1112 . Therefore, the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle of the first nozzle group 1111 is greater than the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle of the second nozzle group 1112 .

Reference numerals 1115 and 1116 denote the first nozzle group 1111 and the second nozzle group 1112 according to C signal values that differ for each nozzle group and are obtained as a result of converting a constant C signal value that does not depend on the nozzle arrangement direction by HS processing. indicates the result of ejection onto the recording medium. Here, the region 1115 corresponds to the first nozzle group 1111 and the region 1116 corresponds to the second nozzle group 1112 . As shown, the number of dots in area 1115 is less than the number of dots in area 1116 .

Next, the magenta (M) nozzle row will be described. Reference numerals 1113 and 1114 denote magenta (M) nozzle rows. In this example, as shown, the position of the third nozzle group 1113 in the nozzle array direction is the same as that of the first nozzle group 1111, and the position of the fourth nozzle group 1114 in the nozzle array direction is the same as that of the second nozzle group 1112. is identical to that of Also, the ejection opening diameter of each nozzle of the third nozzle group 1113 is smaller than the ejection opening diameter of each nozzle of the fourth nozzle group 1114 . Therefore, the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle of the third nozzle group 1113 is less than the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle of the fourth nozzle group 1114 .

Reference numerals 1117 and 1118 denote the third nozzle group 1113 and the fourth nozzle group 1114 according to the M signal value that differs for each nozzle group, which is obtained as a result of converting a fixed M signal value that does not depend on the nozzle arrangement direction by HS processing. indicates the result of ejection onto the recording medium. Here, the region 1117 corresponds to the third nozzle group 1113 and the region 1118 corresponds to the fourth nozzle group 1114 . As shown, the number of dots in area 1117 is greater than the number of dots in area 1118 .

In this way, by correcting the signal value for each ink color by HS processing and changing the number of dots for each nozzle group, it is possible to reduce density unevenness. In FIG. 6B, the case where the unit for correcting the number of dots is 4 nozzles has been described, but the unit is not limited to 4 nozzles, and may be 2 or more nozzles.

<About multi-color shading processing>
The multi-color shading (MCS) processing executed in step S1002 described above will be described below. As described above, the MCS process is a process of converting image data for each unit area, in other words, a process of correcting RGB signals in units of several nozzles by applying the same parameters to a plurality of consecutive nozzles. is. Here, the unit for correcting RGB signals by MCS processing, that is, the number of nozzles included in a nozzle group, may be the same as the unit (number of nozzles) for correcting CMYK signals by above-mentioned HS processing. and may not be the same.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the effect of MCS processing, and shows a case of outputting a blue image using cyan (C) ink and magenta (M) ink. As shown in the figure, by executing the MCS process in addition to the HS process, it is possible to remove color unevenness that cannot be completely corrected by the HS process for each ink color.

<Constraints when sending an image from the controller unit to the image processing controller>
As described above, in this example the print engine unit 940 has two image processing controllers. Then, the image data generated by the controller unit 900 is divided, and a series of image processing is performed on the divided image data in parallel by each of the two image processing controllers. Here, when the image data generated by the controller unit 900 is divided and transmitted to the two image processing controllers, there are two restrictions to be noted in order to realize efficient processing without idling the two image processing controllers. be.

First, the first constraint will be explained. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the arrangement direction of the nozzles of each color ink in the recording head 8 and the ideal HS processing direction. As described above, the HS processing is image processing that corrects the signal value of each ink color in units of a plurality of consecutive nozzles (four nozzles in this example). In other words, in HS processing, the parameters of the same table are applied in units of a plurality of continuous nozzles, so the ideal processing direction in HS processing is the direction in which there is no need to switch tables midway, that is, the direction in which nozzles are arranged. The direction (x direction) is perpendicular to the (y direction). Note that what has been said here also applies to MCS processing. That is, the ideal processing direction in MCS processing is also the direction (x direction) perpendicular to the nozzle array direction (y direction).

Therefore, when the HS processing (or MCS processing) is executed in order from the top along the x direction in the figure, the number of table switchings is minimized, resulting in the best processing efficiency. Therefore, the controller unit 900 desirably transmits the generated image data to the first image processing controller 910 or the second image processing controller 920 in units of multiple nozzles, that is, in units of bands.

Next, the second constraint will be explained. FIG. 8B shows the arrangement direction of the nozzles of each color ink in the recording head 8, the recording direction, the area where image processing is performed by the first image processing controller 910, and the area where image processing is performed by the second image processing controller 920. is a diagram showing the positional relationship of . Hereinafter, the area in which image processing is performed by the first image processing controller 910 is referred to as the area in charge of the first image processing controller 910, and the area in which image processing is performed by the second image processing controller 920 is referred to as the area in charge of the second image processing controller 920. called a region.

The processing executed by the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920 includes processing that refers to peripheral pixels, such as quantization processing using error diffusion. Therefore, from the viewpoint of processing efficiency, it is desirable that the image data transferred from the controller unit 900 to the image processing controller have continuity, that is, image data of a continuous area. Therefore, in this example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the upper half area of the image data for one page is handled by the first image processing controller 910, and the lower half area is handled by the second image processing controller. 920 area of responsibility. In this way, each of the image processing controllers divides one page of image data into a plurality of continuous areas, each of which has a different position in the direction perpendicular to the direction of relative movement between the recording medium and the recording means (nozzles). corresponds to

<Regarding the processing executed by the controller unit>
The controller unit 900 in this embodiment is characteristic in that it transmits image data to the image processing controller while being subject to the above restrictions. A series of processes executed by the controller unit 900 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

In step S1401, the CPU 901 analyzes the print job to determine whether the print job is a PDL job or a COPY job, and acquires print mode information. The print mode information includes information indicating resolution (that is, information indicating high resolution mode, normal mode, or low resolution mode), information indicating monochrome mode or color mode, information on paper width, and the like. be Here, the high resolution mode is a mode for printing at a resolution of 1200 dpi×1200 dpi, the normal mode is a mode for printing at a resolution of 600 dpi×600 dpi, and the low resolution mode is a mode for printing at a resolution of 300 dpi×300 dpi. Then, the CPU 901 generates parameter information required for processing by the image processing controller according to the acquired print mode information. The parameter information generated in this step includes the enlargement/reduction magnification and the values held in the 3DLUT used in the ink color conversion process described above. Further, the parameter information includes information indicating how many bands of image data in total are to be transmitted in order to complete the transmission of one page of image data, and which image processing is performed for each of the one band of image data. Information of label number indicating whether image processing is to be performed by the controller is also included.

In step S1402, the CPU 901 secures a transmission buffer area in the RAM 908 for storing one page of image data to be transmitted to the image processing controller.

In step S1403, the CPU 901 generates image data that can be processed by the image processing controller based on the print job. Specifically, when the print job is a PDL job, the CPU 901 instructs the renderer processing unit 902 to execute rendering processing (rasterization processing, also called RIP processing) based on PDL data included in the print job. On the other hand, if the print job is a COPY job, the CPU 901 commands the scanner image processing unit 903 to perform image correction processing on image data included in the print job. In this step, as shown in FIG. 8C, one page of image data that can be processed by the image processing controller is generated in raster units from the top and stored in the transmission buffer area of the RAM 908 .

In step S1404, the CPU 901 transfers the upper half area of the image data stored in the transmission buffer area of the RAM 908, that is, one band of image data in the area in charge of the first image processing controller 910 to the first image processing controller. 910. Specifically, the CPU 901 instructs the DMA controller (hereinafter referred to as DMAC) in the inter-ASIC IF control unit 906 to transfer image data for one band to the first image processing controller 910 using the DMA (Direct Memory Access) method. . Upon receipt of the command, the DMAC transfers image data for one band and label number information to the first image processing controller 910 . Here, the label number information is information used to identify the image processing controller that performs the above-described image processing (see FIG. 5) for one band of image data transmitted in this step. In this step, a parameter indicating the first image processing controller 910 is used as information of the label number to be transferred. Since the image data for one band transmitted in this step is image data for which the first image processing controller 910 takes charge of image processing, it is finally stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 918 .

In step S1405, the CPU 901 transfers the lower half area of the image data stored in the transmission buffer area of the RAM 908, that is, one band of image data in the area in charge of the second image processing controller 920 to the second image processing controller. 920. Specifically, the CPU 901 instructs the DMAC in the inter-ASIC IF control unit 906 to transfer image data for one band to the second image processing controller 920 by the DMA method. Upon receiving the command, the DMAC transfers one band of image data and label number information to the second image processing controller 920 via the first image processing controller 910 . In this step, a parameter indicating that it is the second image processing controller 920 is used as the information of the label number to be transferred. Since the image data for one band transmitted in this step is image data for which the second image processing controller 920 is in charge of image processing, it is finally stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 928 .

As described above, in this embodiment, in steps S1404 and S1405, one band of image data is alternately transferred to the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920 (referred to as alternate transfer). FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a transfer form of image data in this embodiment, that is, a case where image data for one band is alternately transferred to the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920. FIG. be.

In step S1406, the CPU 901 determines whether transmission of one page of image data stored in the transmission buffer area has been completed. Specifically, information indicating the total number of bands of image data to be transmitted in order to complete the transmission of one page of image data generated in step S1401, and the transmission of one band of image data. The determination is based on the number of DMAC interrupts indicating completion. That is, when the cumulative number of interrupts reaches a threshold value indicating that the transmission of one page of image data has been completed, it is determined that the transmission of one page of image data has been completed. If the determination result in step S1406 is true, the series of processing ends, while if the determination result is false, the process returns to step S1404 to continue transmission of image data. In this manner, the controller unit 900 repeatedly transmits the generated image data for each band in ascending order from the first image processing controller 910 to each image processing controller, thereby repeatedly executing transmission processing. Repetition of transmission in ascending order means that when the print engine unit has N image processing controllers, image data is transmitted in the order of the first image processing controller, the second image processing controller, . . . the Nth image processing controller. It means to repeat. It is also possible to repeat the transmission in descending order (the order of the Nth image processing controller, the second image processing controller, and the first image processing controller). The point is that after one band of image data (also called a band image) is transmitted to all image processing controllers, the next band image is transmitted to all image processing controllers repeatedly. The above is the content of the processing executed by the controller unit 900 in this embodiment.

<Regarding a modified example of the present embodiment>
In the above example, the case where the print engine unit has two image processing controllers and divides image data for one page into two continuous areas has been described. However, this embodiment is not limited to this case. For example, the print engine unit may have three image processing controllers and one page of image data may be divided into three contiguous areas. Alternatively, the print engine unit may have four image processing controllers, and one page of image data may be divided into four contiguous areas. In other words, this embodiment can be applied to a case where the print engine unit has a plurality (N) of image processing controllers and one page of image data is divided into N continuous areas.

Alternatively, there is also an embodiment in which the print engine unit has two image processing controllers, divides one page of image data into four continuous areas, and two image processing controllers each take charge of two continuous areas. Conceivable.

Also, in the above example, the case where the printing apparatus includes a controller unit and a plurality of image processing controllers has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this case. For example, the processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 may be executed on the side of the host device that transmits the print job to the recording device. In other words, the information processing device, not the recording device, may include some or all of the controller unit and the plurality of image processing controllers.

<Effects of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, the image processing controllers can be operated in parallel without being idle. In addition, since the receive buffer area that must be secured in the image processing controller can be as small as one band of image data, parallel processing of image processing is possible even if the RAM capacity of the image processing controller is small, realizing high-speed printing. it becomes possible to

[Example 2]
In the first embodiment, a transmission buffer area for storing one page of image data is secured in the RAM of the controller unit, and the image data is alternately transferred one band at a time to different image processing controllers. realized parallel processing. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is assumed that it is difficult to secure a transmission buffer area for storing the image data in the RAM of the controller unit because the amount of image data for one page is extremely large. ing. In this embodiment, in such a case, image data is transmitted to a plurality of image processing controllers while saving the transmission buffer area of the controller unit. In the following, differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and descriptions of the same contents as those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

<Regarding the processing executed by the controller unit>
Processing executed by the controller unit 900 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 11 .

In step S1601, the CPU 901 analyzes the print job. This step is the same as step S1401 of the first embodiment.

In step S1602, the CPU 901 determines whether the high resolution mode is specified in the print job based on the analysis result of step S1601. If the determination result in step S1602 is true, the process advances to step S1608. On the other hand, if the determination result is false, the process advances to step S1603. The high resolution mode is a mode for printing with a resolution of 1200 dpi×1200 dpi. The recording apparatus 1 can also operate in a normal mode for printing at a resolution of 600 dpi×600 dpi, or a low resolution mode for printing at a resolution of 300 dpi×300 dpi. Also, in this step, it is determined whether the mode is the high resolution mode, but it may be determined whether the amount of image data to be generated is larger than a predetermined threshold. In this case, if the amount of image data to be generated is greater than the predetermined threshold, the process advances to step S1608, while if the amount is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the process advances to step S1603.

Steps S1603 to S1607 that proceed when the high-resolution mode is not set (NO in step S1602) are the same as steps S1402 to S1406 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted. The case of the high resolution mode (YES in step S1602) will be described below.

In step S1608, the CPU 901 secures a transmission buffer area in the RAM 908 for storing one band of image data to be transmitted to the image processing controller. As described above, in this embodiment, a transmission buffer area capable of storing one page of image data is not reserved in the RAM 908, so that the available area of the RAM 908 is saved.

In step S1609, the CPU 901 generates image data that can be processed by the image processing controller based on the print job. While image data for one page is generated in step S1403 of the first embodiment, image data for one band is generated and stored in the transmission buffer area of the RAM 908 in this step. Also, the image data for one band generated in this step is associated with a label number for identifying which of the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920 executes the image processing. be. This label number information is also stored in the RAM 908 .

In step S1610, the CPU 901 determines, based on the label number, whether the one-band image data stored in the transmission buffer area in the most recent step S1609 is image data to be subjected to image processing by the first image processing controller 910. . If the determination result in step S1610 is true, the process advances to step S1611, and if the determination result is false, the process advances to step S1612.

If YES in step S1610, the CPU 901 transmits the one-band image data stored in the transmission buffer area in the most recent step S1609 to the first image processing controller 910 in step S1611. Specifically, the CPU 901 instructs the DMAC in the inter-ASIC IF control unit 906 to transfer image data for one band to the first image processing controller 910 by the DMA method. Upon receipt of the command, the DMAC transfers image data for one band and label number information to the first image processing controller 910 . In this step, a parameter indicating the first image processing controller 910 is used as information of the label number to be transferred. Since the image data for one band transmitted in this step is image data for which the first image processing controller 910 takes charge of image processing, it is finally stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 918 .

If NO in step S1610, in step S1612, the CPU 901 transmits the one-band image data stored in the transmission buffer area in the most recent step S1609 to the second image processing controller 920. FIG. Specifically, the CPU 901 instructs the DMAC in the inter-ASIC IF control unit 906 to transfer image data for one band to the second image processing controller 920 by the DMA method. Upon receiving the command, the DMAC transfers one band of image data and label number information to the second image processing controller 920 via the first image processing controller 910 . In this step, a parameter indicating that it is the second image processing controller 920 is used as the information of the label number to be transferred. Since the image data for one band transmitted in this step is image data for which the second image processing controller 920 is in charge of image processing, it is finally stored in the reception buffer area of the RAM 928 .

As described above, in this embodiment, the band images (see FIG. 8C) generated in order from the top by the controller unit 900 are sequentially transferred to the image processing controller (referred to as sequential transfer). Therefore, first, image data to be image-processed by the first image processing controller 910 is transferred to the first image processing controller 910 one band at a time. 1 is transferred to the image processing controller 910 . After that, image data to be image-processed by the second image processing controller 920 is transferred to the second image processing controller 920 one band at a time. Forwarded to processing controller 920 . FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a transmission form of image data in this embodiment.

Since step S1613 is the same as step S1607, description thereof is omitted. The above is the content of the processing executed by the controller unit 900 in this embodiment.

<Effects of this embodiment>
This embodiment adopts the sequential transfer method even when it is difficult to secure a transmission buffer area for storing the image data due to the large amount of image data for one page generated by the controller unit. By doing so, it becomes possible to execute print processing.

[Example 3]
This embodiment is applied in combination with the above-described embodiments. In the above-described embodiment, the image processing unit 912 and the image processing unit 922 executed a series of image processing shown in FIG. 10 as processing for generating print data. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that these image processing units further execute character quality improvement processing according to the contents of the print mode after executing index expansion processing (step S1007). . The character quality improvement process is a process for improving the character quality only in the character area by executing a process (for example, smoothing, etc.) that refers to pixels surrounding the pixel of interest. Since the character quality improvement process is a process that refers to peripheral pixels, the continuous area handled by the first image processing controller 910 and the continuous area handled by the second image processing controller 920 are partially overlapped. By executing this, it is possible to further improve the character quality.

In such a case, the form in which the print engine unit transmits image data to the image processing controller is different from the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 10). A specific description will be given below.

In the above-described embodiment, the controller unit 900 provides the first image processing controller 910 with the image of the area in charge of the first image processing controller 910, that is, the band #0 to # of the area in charge of the first image processing controller 910 in FIG. Sending N. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the controller unit 900 sequentially transmits band #0 to band #N of the area in charge of the first image processing controller 910 to the first image processing controller 910, and then the second image processing controller 920 transmits band #0 of the area in charge of .

On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, the controller unit 900 sends the second image processing controller 920 the image of the area handled by the second image processing controller 920, that is, the band #0 of the area handled by the second image processing controller 920 in FIG. ∼#N is being transmitted. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the controller unit 900 first transmits to the second image processing controller 920 the band #N of the region in charge of the first image processing controller 910, and then the band #N of the region in charge of the second image processing controller 920. Transmit bands #0 to #N.

Thus, in this embodiment, the area in charge of the first image processing controller 910 and the area in charge of the second image processing controller 920 partially overlap (so that adjacent continuous areas partially overlap). Controller unit 900 transmits image data. However, in this case, it is necessary for the first image processing controller 910 to accurately determine which of the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920 should perform the image processing for the image data of the overlapping portion. . However, it is difficult to make the determination only by using the above label number. Therefore, in this embodiment, when transmitting the image data of the overlapping portion, a new flag is set to identify which of the first image processing controller 910 and the second image processing controller 920 executes the image processing. . As a result, when image data for one band of the overlapping portion is received, the first image processing controller 910 executes image processing based on the flag, or the second image processing controller 910 performs image processing based on the flag. It becomes possible to determine whether to pass to 920.

<Effects of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, even when executing the character quality improvement process, the image processing controllers can be operated in parallel without being idle, so that high-speed printing can be realized.

[Other embodiments]
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by processing to It can also be implemented by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

900 controller unit 910 first image processing controller 920 second image processing controller

Claims (18)

An image processing apparatus for processing data for recording an image by relatively moving recording means and a recording medium, wherein the recording means includes a plurality of recording elements arranged in a first direction, relative movement is in a second direction that intersects the first direction;
generating first recording data to be used by the recording means based on first image data corresponding to the first processing area in an image for one page including the first processing area and the second processing area; a first processing means configured to:
second processing means configured to generate second recording data to be used by said recording means based on second image data corresponding to said second processing area, wherein said second processing area position; is different from the position of said first processing area in said first direction within a page; and
The transmission means is configured to transmit the first image data to the first processing means and the second image data to the second processing means in units of band data corresponding to one band area. the first processing region is composed of a plurality of band regions, the length of each band region of the first processing region is shorter than the length of the first processing region in the first direction, and the second processing region is is composed of a plurality of band areas, and the length of each band area of the second processing area is shorter than the length of the second processing area in the first direction;
has
The transmission means transmits the band data in multiple units to the first processing means, and from the start of transmission of the band data in multiple units to the first processing means, the band data in multiple units to the first processing means. The transmitting means transmits at least one unit of band data to the second processing means during the period until the end of transmission.
An image processing apparatus characterized by: further comprising acquisition means configured to acquire one page of image data corresponding to the one page of image;
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first processing means processes the first image data using parameters common to pixels arranged in the second direction,
The second processing means processes the second image data using a parameter common to each pixel arranged in the second direction.
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The recording element used for recording the first processing area is different from the recording element used for recording the second processing area,
4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by: further comprising generating means for generating image data for one page based on the print job;
The generating means comprises storage means for temporarily storing the generated image data,
5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by: The one-page image data is stored in the storage means.
6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by: The transmission means repeats alternately transmitting the image data for one band out of the image data for one page stored in the storage means to the first processing means and the second processing means. perform a repetitive process,
7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by: The generating means executes the repeated processing in a first mode, and divides the one-page image data without executing the repeated processing in a second mode in which printing is performed at a higher resolution than in the first mode. After transmitting the image data for one continuous area among the plurality of continuous areas obtained by the above process to the first processing means in charge of the image data, the image data for another continuous area is transmitted to the above-mentioned first processing means in charge of the image data. transmitting to a second processing means;
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by: The generating means executes the repetitive processing when the volume of the image data for one page is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, and does not execute the repetitive processing when the volume is greater than the predetermined threshold value. after transmitting image data for one continuous region out of a plurality of continuous regions obtained by dividing the image data for one page to the first processing means in charge of the image data, image data for another continuous region; to the second processing means in charge of the image data;
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by: The generating means transmits the generated image data for each band to the first processing means, and then transmits the generated image data for each band to the second processing means.
10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by: wherein the plurality of continuous regions do not overlap between adjacent continuous regions;
11. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by: the plurality of continuous regions partially overlap between adjacent continuous regions;
The image processing executed by each of the first processing means and the second processing means includes character quality improvement processing that refers to surrounding pixels,
11. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by: the recording means is a nozzle,
The image processing executed by each of the first processing means and the second processing means includes head shading processing for converting the signal value of the ink color according to the discharge amount of the nozzle,
13. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by: The image processing executed by each of the first processing means and the second processing means includes quantization processing for reducing the gradation of the multi-valued image data of the ink color.
14. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by: an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14;
a recording head that records onto a recording medium based on the first recording data and the second recording data;
recording device. 16. The image processing device according to claim 15, wherein the image processing executed in each of said first processing means and said second processing means includes processing executed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which nozzles are arranged in said recording head. recording device. Data for recording an image is processed by relatively moving recording means including a plurality of recording elements arranged in a first direction and a recording medium along a second direction intersecting the first direction. An image processing method executed by an image processing device,
The image processing device is
generating first recording data to be used by the recording means based on first image data corresponding to the first processing area in an image for one page including the first processing area and the second processing area; a first processing means configured to:
second processing means configured to generate second recording data to be used by said recording means based on second image data corresponding to said second processing area, wherein said second processing area position; is different from the position of said first processing area in said first direction within a page; and
has
a transmission step of transmitting the first image data to the first processing means and transmitting the second image data to the second processing means in units of band data corresponding to one band area, The processing region is composed of a plurality of band regions, the length of each band region of the first processing region is shorter than the length of the first processing region in the first direction, and the second processing region is a plurality of band regions. wherein the length of each band region of the second processing region is shorter than the length of the second processing region in the first direction,
In the transmitting step, the plurality of units of band data are transmitted to the first processing means, and from the start of transmission of the plurality of units of band data to the first processing means, the transmission of the plurality of units of band data to the first processing means is performed. At least one unit of band data is transmitted to the second processing means during the period until the end of transmission;
An image processing method characterized by: A program for causing a computer to perform the method according to claim 17.

Images